i have the same exact panasonic stereo SA-CH52. my deck 2 has similiar problems. check to see if both sprockets are turning when you play a tape. one got loose on mine and caused mine to not work right. try playing a tape in both directions as this is a auto reverse deck. try putting the deck in play mode without a tape in there. you can do this by holding your finger under the sensor that senses the tape and hit the play button and also check to see if the pinch roller and capstan are working properly.
Rich
January 2009